About the Arkansas Jazz Orchestra

The Arkansas Jazz Orchestra is a favorite at jazz festivals, concerts and events throughout the area. This seventeen piece big band's only requirements are sixteen chairs, two electrical outlets, and an audience ready for a good time.

The AJO consists of artists from all walks of life who have made music the driving element in their life. Sections include musicians who are at the top of their field.

• Earl Hesse is one of the most accomplished woodwind artists in the south and has played with some of the greats, including Tommy Dorsey, Clark Terry and Patty Page.
• Jazz trumpeter Conrad Wilson learned his skills playing with some of the great musicians of Illinois and Texas before touring the country playing his horn.
• Billy Hoover has also toured extensively including a stint as a session musician in Nashville and is a rising star on piano.
• Vocalist Shirley Chauvin was the first to perform with the 1 O'Clock Lab Band and is one of the few true jazz divas in our area of the country.
• Trombonist Mike Bryant was a member of the 8th Air Force Band, and performs with several central Arkansas groups including concert bands and quintets.

Come to one of our performances and get to know these and the other musicians first hand. We enjoy meeting and talking with music lovers almost as much as we enjoy performing.